Synopsis
The Kerala High Court has ruled that ragging is more severe than vandalism and has stayed the re-admission of 18 Veterinary students implicated in the suicide of junior student J. S. Sidharthan. The court emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the allegations against these students.Key Takeaways
- Kerala HC rules ragging is worse than vandalism.
- Re-admission of 18 Veterinary students suspended.
- Students implicated in J. S. Sidharthan’s suicide.
- New disciplinary inquiry mandated.
- Case scheduled for further review on March 4.
Kochi, Feb 5 (NationPress) A divisional bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday suspended the ruling of the single judge that permitted the re-admission of 18 students at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Mannuthy, who were implicated in the tragic suicide of junior student J. S. Sidharthan.
On February 18, 2024, Sidharthan's lifeless body was discovered in the hostel restroom, leading to allegations that he had taken his own life.
This incident escalated into a major controversy, with claims that he had been subjected to ragging and physical abuse by certain classmates and seniors.
A total of 18 students were detained in connection with the case and faced various repercussions, including expulsion from the institution.
After serving time in jail, these students obtained bail, and in December 2024, a single bench of the High Court overturned the expulsion order and permitted their re-admission to the Mannuthy campus.
The single bench also mandated a new disciplinary investigation into the accused.
Feeling deeply distressed by the single judge's decision, Sidharthan's mother lodged a writ appeal with the division bench.
The division bench, comprising Justice Amit Rawal and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, granted her permission to appeal.
The court stated that the mother should be included in the discussions during the fresh disciplinary inquiry conducted by the University.
While halting the single judge's order that allowed the students to return to Mannuthy, the division bench remarked, "Students involved in ragging are more reprehensible than those engaging in vandalism".
The appellant-mother contended that the single judge should not have allowed the students to return, citing leniency when such a relief was not requested in the initial writ petition.
The CBI, which has taken over the investigation, reported that 19 individuals had committed serious offenses.
The High Court has scheduled the case for further review on March 4.